When left with nowhere to call home, Kyle Gill paid £70 for a rusty car so he could sleep in it.

But he ran into trouble when he headed for a quiet spot - because he is banned from driving, a court heard.

City magistrates gave him an eight-week prison term, suspended for a year, and a 16-month driving ban.

But they wished him well after hearing that he has swapped Basford for Skegness and got a job for the first time in his life.

Gill, 22, admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance on Astwood Road, Nottingham on April 7. He also pleaded guilty to having a small amount of cannabis in the car.

Kate Hartley, prosecuting, said police received a tip-off that a disqualified driver was on the roads.

"The officer immediately recognised him as a banned driver. He said he had just purchased the car for £70 to sleep in it," added Miss Hartley. Gill had been banned for dangerous driving and can only take the wheel again when he passes a trickier test.

Michaela Dunk, mitigating, said Gill was stopped when heading for somewhere to spend the night. All his property was inside the 15-year-old Ford KA.

"He planned to sleep in it and it was not in great condition, said Miss Dunk for Gill, now of Dorothy Avenue, Skegness.

Gill has a job in an amusement arcade and is glad to be away from people who led him astray in Nottingham.

Miss Dunk added: "For the first time he has got a job. He is surprised to get a job and he really enjoys it."

Presiding magistrate Peter Forster told him: "We believe you are making positive steps to improve your life and avoid the associates who were influencing your behaviour.

"We wish you every success."

Gill replied: "Yes, thank you, your honour. I will go straight back to work." He must pay a £115 government surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.